Among my friends, I’m infamous for the backstory.

I can’t launch into a tale without laying a foundation – Why did I end up at the hardware store in the first place? What color rainjacket was I wearing? Did I scream when my Corona erupted, like a volcano, in the middle of the pool hall? The answers are: ants, trash-bag green and no, I merely gasped.

And that’s all before I divulge how I met my husband.

My friends don’t really want to hear the backstory, but they bear with me anyway. Because I pay them. No, seriously, because they know the tale will eventually lead somewhere – hopefully before they fall asleep.

So I implore you to stay awake while I recount the backstory on the Bangor Parkade, otherwise known as my new home. I’m not one for old news, but I haven’t written about Kohl’s or A.C. Moore yet because I wanted to wait for Old Navy and Linens ‘n Things to open, and when they did, I was in Florida. I would’ve flown home early, but really, I’m not that desperate for a new pair of khakis.

OK, now we’re caught up.

Obviously, I had a lot of catching up to do. During my first stop at Kohl’s, on opening day, I was smitten with the cookware, cute pants and ridiculously inexpensive sweaters. But I didn’t buy anything.

That all changed when I returned last Monday, only to find everything on clearance. Yes! The Daisy Fuentes blazer I wanted wasn’t left in my size, but that didn’t stop me from buying a cute printed shirt that I totally didn’t need and a fabulous embellished handbag (which one lucky reader will win – see breakout box for details).

Next stop, Old Navy, which I’ve craved like a pregnant lady craves pickles and ice cream. Thank you, powers that be at Gap Inc.

Although I wanted the sequined satin flats, the $20 pashminalike shawls and the Halloween p.j.s, I did the grownup thing and bought something I could wear to work: a soft V-neck sweater ($19.95) and a dreamy, pearl-beaded camisole ($16.50) to wear underneath. For guys, the deals on sweaters can’t be beat and the turntable T-shirt is really something to behold.

I’m not much of a crafter, and silk flowers normally freak me out, but I have to admit, A.C. Moore has a certain je ne sais quoi. Actually, it has a certain je sais quoi: yarn. I was impressed by the selection of knitting items, and inspired by the sample displays. I also liked the jewelry findings and beads.

It must’ve been all that sparkle that led me to buy a pair of bejeweled Rampage moccasins from Famous Footwear. That and the $10 price tag. The clearance rack here is quite impressive – I almost bought a pair of chocolate brown high boots for $15 – and there’s a great range of sizes as well, which makes my size-11 friend very happy, indeed.

What made me very happy was a set of three heavy baking pans for $2.99 at Linens ‘n Things. I couldn’t believe it, and I didn’t care if it’s a loss leader. LNT has great – and tasteful – holiday items, as well. Loved the Halloween candles and the Crate & Barrel-esque pumpkin soup tureen. I’ll be back.

By that point, however, my budget was shot and my bags weighed heavily on my arms. Of course, my arms already hurt from toting my too-heavy garment bag through the airport last weekend.

I’d tell you all about it, but I think you’ve had enough backstory for one day.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

ShopNotes

The tally is in, and the Haute for Hospice fashion show raised more than $7,250 for Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County. The show featured clothing by Maine-based designers Cynthia McGuirl, Elaine Pew, Amy Putansu, Rebekah Younger, Michael Shyka, Maureen Stalla and Greg Tinder. It was such a success that organizers hope to make it an annual event. For information or to volunteer, contact Greg Tinder at 338-0628.

Win me!

One lucky reader will win this embellished handbag from Kohl’s, stuffed with surprise goodies, just in time for holiday parties. But I’m going to make you work for it – to enter, fill out the form below and tell me, now that we have this new plaza, what store (or stores) do we need next? The winner will be drawn at random and announced in the Nov. 12 ShopGirl column. Good luck, and, as always, happy shopping!

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

E-mail address:

What store do we need next?: